Dear Carolyn,
Rachael Perkins-Aarenstein added the following:
"This does happen even when people sometimes wish it wouldn't. But it is common at many natural history museums and children's museums. There are policies and procedures that can make it go smoothly for the humans and non-humans involved!
C2CCare has had at least one webinar that covers animal-based living collections (and I think there were others on Arboreta)
https://connectingtocollections.org/are-you-ready-animals-depend-on-it/
So those presenters might be a good place to start.
I'd also recommend that she join the NHCOLL-List which is SPNHC's free listserv. A post there will be seen by loads of natural science folks many of whom have experience with reptile exhibits, bug colonies and other small mammals in museum contexts.
https://spnhc.org/resources/nhcoll-l/"
Hope this helps!
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Luisa Casella
C2CC Monitor
Independent Photograph Conservator
AIC Fellow
PMG Chair 2023-25
CommComm Chair 2023-25
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-26-2024 14:31
From: Carolyn Schimandle
Subject: Guidelines for live animals in exhibit space containing museum objects?
Thank you, Luisa. I hope you don't mind if I copy much of your reply into our guidelines document. It's so important to keep reminding people of the responsibility we have for the welfare of the animals in our museum spaces, whether or not they are near collections items.
Carolyn Schimandle
Interpretation Coordinator, Region 2
Santa Clara County Parks
408-834-2397
Parkhere.org
Original Message:
Sent: 3/26/2024 2:21:00 PM
From: Luisa Casella
Subject: RE: Guidelines for live animals in exhibit space containing museum objects?
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you so much for your query about guidelines for keeping live animals in museum spaces alongside historical objects. As you mention, there are several considerations to take into account. While there may not be a single, universally accepted guideline on this specific scenario, there are relevant principles from reputable sources that can inform best practices.
Firstly, the welfare of the live animals and the preservation of historical objects are paramount concerns. Live animals in museum settings can pose challenges related to animal welfare, visitor safety, and potential damage to artifacts.
In terms of referring to sources, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) in the United States, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides regulations concerning the treatment of animals in various settings, including exhibitions. Although primarily focused on research and commercial activities, it underscores the importance of ensuring the well-being of animals in public display spaces.
Moreover, while there might not be explicit prohibitions against keeping live animals in museum spaces alongside historical objects in some guidelines, the general principles of museum conservation emphasize the importance of minimizing risks to collections. This includes avoiding potential sources of damage, such as pests, pollutants, and physical hazards – all of which could be exacerbated by the presence of live animals.
Therefore, while it may not be explicitly forbidden, it's advisable to exercise caution and prioritize the welfare of live animals and the preservation of historical objects. Strategies to mitigate risks could include regular pest monitoring, maintaining clean animal enclosures, and implementing protocols to minimize potential sources of damage.
In conclusion, while there may not be a definitive guideline expressly prohibiting live animals in museum spaces alongside historical objects, it's essential to approach such decisions with careful consideration of animal welfare, collection preservation, and relevant regulations.
I will reach out to C2CC's volunteer expert colleagues for more guidelines on this that you can refer to and report back if anyone has more suggestions!
All my best,
Luisa
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Luisa Casella
C2CC Monitor
Photograph Conservator
MAC, Fellow of AIC
T: 585 281 3747
Original Message:
Sent: 3/23/2024 2:49:00 PM
From: Carolyn Schimandle
Subject: Guidelines for live animals in exhibit space containing museum objects?
Does anyone know of either guidelines from a reputable source I can quote for keeping a live animal in the same museum space as historical objects, or a reputable source I can quote that says to absolutely not do it?
I've been tasked with compiling best-practices guidelines to share with staff as our park system comes up to speed more on collections care. At least one visitor center in our system has a live animal on display in the same room as historical objects. It seems like something that would be absolutely forbidden in best practices, but I want to make sure, have a good source to quote, and if it isn't a complete no-no, provide guidance on how to do it and minimize agents of deterioration (e.g. regular pest monitoring, keeping animal enclosure clean, etc.).
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Carolyn Schimandle
Parks Program Coordinator
Santa Clara County Parks
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